It's so much harder with allergies

"It's so much harder with allergies"

That's what my 12 year old son said this morning.  

I was preparing them to go to the movies by themselves whilst I popped into work for a couple of hours (just a couple of minutes walk from the theatre).

They packed snack packs to eat and took water bottles.  I asked Dan if he knew what to do in case Emma had a reaction.  He got a real concerned look on his face.  I know the chances of her having a reaction were minimal, the food I packed was all safe for her, but you can never be 100% sure that there hasn't been a slight cross contamination somewhere.   You can never guarantee  that people next to you aren't eating choc-nut icecreams (double bad for Emma) or just munching away on nuts.  I know the risk of anaphylaxis to this kind of exposure is minimal, but there is always a chance. You can never be 100% sure of her safety, never.

I went through the emergency process with him.  If she complains she cant breathe get her out of the theatre at once, give her the inhaler, lie her down, call me, check for hives and swelling, give the anapen if needed, get someone to call an ambulance.  He went through how to give her the anapen.  

After his initial shock at maybe having to deal with an allergic reaction, I was amazed at how much he actually knew.  

Emma was really frightened at the thought of having a reaction when I wasn't there and offered not to eat during the movie!  She did have some biscuits (least risk) in the end, but saved her crackers and lollies until I picked them up.  And she didn't have a reaction.

But it brings it home, the constant worry of having a reaction.  

Something as simple as a trip to the movies turns into something so much more.

12 year old's know things that most kids their age don't even have to think about.  But they are growing up.  They are cutting those apron strings.  They want to do things by themselves like their friends do.

And it is so much harder with allergies...

Thanks for Reading

Barbs x.